Dental tool assembly

ABSTRACT

A handling device for a dental tool having a) a body having an elongated shape configured to receive a prying load from an operator; and b) one or more receptacles through the body configured to retain at least a portion of a dental tool and allow an engagement portion of the dental tool to project therefrom substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body; wherein the engagement portion is adapted to contact a portion of a dental covering along only one of a facial side or a lingual side of the dental covering and by being wedged between a gum-line and the dental covering; and wherein the one or more receptacles are configured to transfer the prying load from the body to the engagement portion of the dental tool.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a dental tool assembly including adental covering removal tool and dental tool handling device useful forremoving a dental covering from an underlying structure. The presentdisclosure may specifically relate to a dental covering removal tool,handling device, or both which are adapted to assist a dental operatorin removing temporary and permanent crowns from a patient's mouth.

BACKGROUND

In dental practice, while a permanent crown is fabricated for a patient,a patient is fitted with a temporary covering (e.g. such as a temporarycrown). The temporary covering protects the original underlying tooth orpost and allows a patient to maintain normal chewing while waiting forthe permanent crown to be fabricated. The temporary covering istypically adhered with a short term dental adhesive to the underlyingtooth or post. To ensure the temporary covering does not cause patientdiscomfort, the temporary covering may need to be removed multiple timesduring fitting. To expose the underlying tooth or post once thepermanent crown is fabricated, the temporary covering needs to beremoved from the patient's mouth.

Generally, for removal of a temporary dental covering, many dentaloperators (i.e., dental physicians) pinch grip the temporary dentalcovering to remove the covering from the underlying tooth or post. Handand finger access may be limited. For example, the further toward therear of a mouth of a patient, the more restricted the space for a dentalphysician's hand to access the dental covering. While removing thedental covering, a dental operator's hand may block visual access to thedental covering. To overcome access space, provide better control, andprovide better visual access, hemostats, forceps and dental pliers havebeen utilized. Forceps style dental tools present the challenges ofneeding to contact opposing surfaces of a dental covering (i.e., lingualside and facial side) to apply a grip force. The grip force provided bythese tools may result in damage to the dental covering, such ascracking and breaking. The size of these forceps style dental tools mayresult in patient discomfort. Generally, these forceps style tools aremeant for long-term use due to their initial purchase cost.

US 2013/0244201; US 2011/0045435; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,394,805; and6,413,088 disclose varying forceps dental tools for removing dentalcoverings. U.S. Pat. No. 9,084,650 discloses a dental removal apparatusfor removing dental appliances with a pry force. Notwithstanding theabove, there appears to be an absence of a simple prying tool which canpry a dental covering (e.g. one located within a mouth of a patient)from an underlying surface without damaging the dental covering or theunderlying surface. U.S. Pat. No. 9,687,316, incorporated herein in itsentirety for all purposes, discloses a one-piece dental tool whichallows for a dental operator to remove a dental covering while avoidingthe use of hemostats, forceps, or dental pliers. The one-piece dentaltool is advantageous as it provides a device which is able to be easilyinserted and manipulated within a patient's mouth to pry a dentalcovering from an underlying surface. The tool is also beneficial byeliminating compression forces about the dental covering and thusreducing damage to the dental covering or adjacent teeth.

Notwithstanding the above, there is still a need for tooling which cancooperate with a one-piece dental tool to improve a dental operator'saccess into a patient's mouth while still providing tooling and visualaccess, providing a comfortable patient experience, and preventingdamage to either or both a dental covering and underlying surface.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a handling device comprising: a) abody having an elongated shape configured to receive a prying load froman operator; b) one or more receptacles through the body configured toretain at least a portion of a dental tool and allow an engagementportion of the dental tool to project therefrom substantiallyperpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body; wherein the engagementportion is adapted to contact a portion of a dental covering along onlyone of a facial side or a lingual side of the dental covering and bybeing wedged between a gum-line and the dental covering; and wherein theone or more receptacles are configured to transfer the prying load fromthe body to the engagement portion of the dental tool.

The present disclosure further relates to a dental tool assemblycomprising: a) a handling device having: i) a body having an elongatedshape configured to receive a prying load from an operator; ii) one ormore receptacles through the body which pass from one exterior surfaceto an opposing exterior surface; b) one or more dental tools, eachhaving: i) a load applying portion which is adapted to rest upon anadjacent surface relative to a dental covering; ii) an engagementportion which tapers to a smaller thickness toward one or more lateralends and adapted to contact a portion of the dental covering along onlyone of a facial side or a lingual side of the dental covering and bybeing wedged between a gum-line and the dental covering, iii) anintermediate portion which is integral with and adjacent to both theengagement portion and the load applying portion to bridge the loadapplying portion and the engagement portion, wherein a width of theintermediate portion is smaller than a width of both the load applyingportion and the engagement portion, and wherein the intermediate portionis transverse to both the engagement portion and the intermediateportion; wherein the one or more dental tools are located within the oneor more receptacles, and the one or more receptacles are configured totransfer the prying load from the body to the engagement portion of thedental tool.

The handling device and dental tool assembly of the disclosure mayprovide a handle adapted to receive a one-piece dental tool. Thehandling device and dental tool may allow for access into a patient'smouth to remove a dental covering while simultaneously allowing forvisual access. The handling device may provide for a comfortable patientexperience by distancing a hand of a dental operator away from a mouthof a patient. The handling device when used together with a dental toolas a dental tool assembly may provide for a means of controlling thedental tool for removal of a dental covering, while preventing damage tothe dental covering and/or underlying surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dental tool according to the teachingsherein.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a dental tool according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a dental tool according to the teachingsherein.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a dental tool according to the teachingsherein.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a dental tool removing a dental covering from amouth of a patient according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a handling device according to theteachings herein.

FIG. 7 is an opposing perspective view of the handling device of FIG. 6according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a handling device according to theteachings herein.

FIG. 9 is a close-up view of a handling device according to theteachings herein.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a handling device with a dental tooltherein to form a dental tool assembly according to the teachingsherein.

FIG. 11 is a cross-section view of a dental tool assembly according tothe teachings herein.

FIG. 12 is an opposing perspective view of the dental tool assembly ofFIG. 10 according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 13 illustrates varying positions of a dental tool assembly relativeto a patient's mouth according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an operator using a dental tool toremove a dental covering from a mouth of a patient according to theteachings herein.

FIG. 15 is a close-up view of a dental tool in a mouth of a patient toremove a dental covering according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a dental tool with a handling deviceaccording to the teachings herein.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a dental tool with a handling deviceaccording to the teachings herein.

FIG. 18 illustrates a cutout in the dental tool according to theteachings herein.

FIG. 19 illustrates an extension of the dental tool according to theteachings herein.

FIG. 20 illustrates a notch in the dental tool according to theteachings herein.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a dental assembly applied to a hemostataccording to the teachings herein.

FIG. 22 is a side view of a hemostat including the dental tool accordingto the teachings herein.

FIG. 23A is a perspective view of a dental assembly removing a dentalcovering from a mouth of a patient according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 23B is a side view of a dental tool removing a dental covering froma mouth of a patient according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 24 illustrates a load applying portion having a receptacleaccording to the teachings.

FIG. 25 illustrates an engagement portion having a receptacle accordingto the teachings herein.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the dental tool assembly integratedwith a hemostat according to the teachings herein.

FIG. 27 is a side view of the dental tool integrated with a hemostataccording to the teachings herein.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the dental tool assembly integratedinto a hemostat and located within a mouth of a patient according to theteachings herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended toacquaint others skilled in the art with the present teachings, itsprinciples, and its practical application. The specific embodiments ofthe present teachings as set forth are not intended as being exhaustiveor limiting of the present teachings. The scope of the present teachingsshould be determined with reference to the appended claims, along withthe full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Thedisclosures of all articles and references, including patentapplications and publications, are incorporated by reference for allpurposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be gleaned fromthe following claims, which are also hereby incorporated by referenceinto this written description.

Dental Tool Assembly

The teachings herein provide for a dental tool assembly, a method ofassembling the dental tool assembly, a method of using the assembly, anda method for removing a dental covering. The dental tool assembly mayinclude a dental tool, handling device, or both. The dental toolassembly may have a dental tool assembled to a handling device, integralwith a handling device, or both.

The dental tool assembly, dental tool, and handling device of thedisclosure may find particular use for removal of a dental covering. Adental covering may include any type of dental restoration, inlay,overlay, or the like. A dental covering may include a temporary crown, apermanent crown, a dental bridge, a dental brace, a dental veneer, anartificial tooth, or any combination thereof. A dental covering may beaffixed or adhered to an underlying tooth or post with a temporary orshort term dental adhesive. A dental covering may be for a human oranimal tooth. The device of the disclosure may be configured to contacta portion of the dental covering for removal. A portion of the dentalcovering may include an extremity of the dental covering. An extremityof the dental covering may include an exterior side surface, an exteriorsurface adjacent a patient's gum line, or both. The portion of thedental covering may be part of the facial side, lingual side, or both.The assembly and/or devices of the disclosure may be configured to reston an adjacent surface to the dental covering to remove the dentalcovering. An adjacent surface may include any surface adjacent thedental covering. An adjacent surface may include an adjacent tooth. Anadjacent tooth may include a tooth, a dental covering, a dentalprosthetic, the like, or any combination thereof

Dental Tool Handling Device

The teachings herein provide for a handling device, a method of usingthe handling device with a dental tool, and a method for removing adental covering. The handling device may be a simple tool which isrelative easy to use in conjunction with a dental tool to then insertinto a mouth of a patient and easy to manipulate once inserted. Thehandling device may be particularly advantageous by providing extraleverage by distancing a prying force from a dental tool whilepreventing damage to a dental covering and maintaining visibility withina mouth of a patient. The handling device may include a body having asubstantially elongated shape. The length of the body allows for theprying force to be distanced from the dental tool, this allowing forincreased torque to be applied at the dental covering. The handlingdevice may include one or more receptacles configured to engage (e.g.,by receiving) a dental tool. The dental tool may be a tool similar tothe tool disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,687,316, incorporated herein inits entirety for all purposes. The handling device may include only asingle grip surface or a plurality of grip surfaces. For example, thehandling device may be generally rod shaped, solid, include a singlegrip surface, or any combination thereof. The handling device mayinclude one portion, two portions, a pivot joint, more than one gripsurface, or any combination thereof. Two portions may be connected via apivot joint. An example of more than one grip surface or two portionsmay be two grip handle grips rotationally mated at a pivot joint. Forexample, the handle may be a hemostat, dental pliers, dental forceps, orthe like. A pivot joint may allow a distance between an engagementportion and load applying portion to be adjusted. By adjusting thedistance, the pivot joint may allow the device to be adjusted forvarying heights of dental coverings. The handling device may be engagedto, assembled with, or even integral with any portion of the dentaltool.

A handling device may be separate from or integral with a dental tool.The handling device may be separate or integral with a load applyingportion, intermediate portion, engagement portion, or a combinationthereof. The handling device may extend from the load applying portion,the intermediate portion, the engagement portion, or a combinationthereof. The handling device may extend in a generally opposingdirection from the load applying portion as the engagement portion. Byextending away from the engagement portion, the handling device mayextend the assembly outside of a patient's mouth. By extending thedevice outside of a patient's mouth, the handle may facilitatemanipulation of the dental tool provide a less obstructed view, or both.The handling device may include at least one grip, two grips, or more.The one or more grips may make the handling device more ergonomic foruse by a user's hand (e.g., larger grip surface, cushion, fingeropenings, etc.).

The handling device includes one or more bodies. The body functions asthe main portion of the handling device, a gripping portion of thehandling device, the structure which is able to receive and transfer aprying force, or any combination thereof. The body may have any size,shape, and/or configuration suitable for engaging with a dental tool,receiving a prying force, and/or transferring a prying force. The bodymay be substantially solid, partially solid, partially hollow,substantially hollow, or any combination thereof. Two or more bodies maybe used in conjunction together, such as being connected by a pivotjoint. The body may have any suitable shape for retaining a dental tooland being inserted into a mouth of a user. The body may include one ormore exterior surfaces. The one or more exterior surfaces may provideone or more grip surfaces. The body may be substantially rod-shaped,cylindrically-shaped, cuboid-shaped, the like, or a combination thereof.Ends of the body may be shaped to avoid sharp edges and points within amouth of a patient. For example, one or both ends of a body may berounded. The body may have a width. A width may be substantiallyperpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the body. A width may beparallel to a width of one or more dental tools when engaged therein. Awidth may be generally perpendicular to a plane which intersects throughthe midpoint. The width may be less than or equal to a width of one ormore portions of a dental tool. A width may be less than a width of anengagement portion, load applying portion, or both of a dental tool. Awidth of the body may allow for a dental tool to extend outside of thebody when paired therewith. A width may be substantially constant,expand, taper, or a combination thereof. The body may be substantiallystraight, have one or more bends, one or more contours, or anycombination thereof. The body may have or be free of one or more elbows,receptacles, contoured ends, position indicators, or any combinationthereof.

The body may include one or more elbows. The one or more elbows mayallow for the body to have one or more curved contours, allow forclearance between the body and a lip or other tissue surface of a mouthof a patient, provide an ergonomic hand grip surface, or any combinationthereof. The one or more elbows may be formed as one or more bends alonga body of the handling tool. The one or more elbows may be arcuate, astraight angle bend (e.g., having a point apex), sinusoidal, the like,or any combination thereof. One or more planes may intersect through theone or more elbows. The handling device may be substantially symmetricalor asymmetrical about a plane passing through the one or more elbows.The one or more elbows may provide for one or more ends of the bodyangling toward one another, away from another, extending away from eachother, or any combination thereof. The one or more elbows may form anacute, perpendicular, and/or obtuse angle between one or more portionsof a body. Opposing ends of a body may angle toward one another at asubstantially obtuse angle. The one or more elbows may form an angle ofabout 90 degrees or greater, about 120 degrees or greater, about 140degrees or greater, or even about 150 degrees or greater betweenopposing ends of the body. The one or more elbows may form an angle ofabout 180 degrees or less, about 170 degrees or less, or even about 160degrees or less between opposing ends of the body. The one or moreelbows may be located along any length of the body. The one or moreelbows may be located substantially halfway along a length of the body,biased toward one or more ends of a body, or both. The one or moreelbows may be located between a plurality of receptacles.

The body may include one or more receptacles. The one or morereceptacles may function to engage a dental tool, provide a contactsurface to transfer a prying load from a body to a dental tool, or both.The one or more receptacles may be located anywhere along a length ofthe body. One or more receptacles may be biased toward one or more endsof a body, at one or more ends of a body, off-center, centered, or anycombination thereof. The one or more receptacles may have any size orshape suitable for engaging one or more portions of a dental tool. Theone or more receptacles may be reciprocal with at least part of one ormore portions of a dental tool. Any of the features useful or attributedto the dental tool may be implemented in the one or more receptacles.These features of the dental tool may be applied in the inverse to theone or more receptacles. For example, a height of the one portions ofthe dental tool may be a height or distance between one or more upperand lower surfaces of the receptacle. As another example, one or morecontours, angles, or both in a dental tool may be formed by the surfacesof the one or more receptacles. The one or more receptacles may includeone or more cavities. A plurality of more cavities may be in directcommunication with one another to form a larger cavity or may besegregated from one another to form separate cavities within the body.Each cavity may be dedicated to receiving and/or engaging a portion of adental tool. A plurality of cavities may include a load applying portioncavity, an engagement portion cavity, an intermediate portion cavity, ora combination thereof. A cavity of a receptacle may be formed through anentire thickness of the body (e.g., extend entirely from one exteriorsurface to an opposing exterior surface), formed through only a portionof a thickness (e.g., extend partially from an exterior surface into thebody), or a combination of both. One or more cavities of a receptaclemay pass through an entire thickness of a body while one or morecavities may only partially pass through a thickness of a body. The oneor more receptacles may engage at least a portion of a dental tool witha press fit, friction fit, lock fit, threaded fit, snap fit, cantileversnap fit, annular snap fit, a channel fit, the like, or any combinationthereof. The one or more receptacles may have a geometry similar and/orreciprocal to all or a portion of a dental tool. The similar and/orreciprocal geometry may provide for a friction fit or lock fit with atleast a portion of a dental tool. The one or more receptacles may beformed as a channel within the body. The channel may include a trackchannel, slot, the like, or a combination of both. The one or morereceptacles may include a single receptacle or a plurality ofreceptacles. A plurality of receptacles may include two or morereceptacles. The one or more receptacles may include one or morefeatures of a receptacle as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,687,316.

The one or more receptacles may include an engagement portion cavity.The engagement portion cavity may function to receive and retain anengagement portion of a dental tool, transfer a prying load from a bodyto the engagement portion of the dental tool, allow for one or morelateral ends of an engagement portion to protrude away from the body, ora combination thereof. The engagement portion cavity may be configuredso that the engagement portion of the dental tool resides within thecavity while extending outside of the cavity. The engagement portioncavity may be integral, directly connected, continuous, or separate fromone or more other cavities of a receptacle. The engagement portioncavity may be in direct communication with an intermediate portioncavity, a load applying portion cavity, a position identifier, or anycombination thereof. The engagement portion cavity may have a shapesubstantially reciprocal or inverse to a shape or geometry of anengagement portion of a dental tool. The load applying portion cavitymay be rectangular, square, oblong, elliptical, polygonal, the like, orany combination thereof. The shape of the cavity may refer to across-sectional shape (e.g., 2-dimensional, parallel or perpendicular tothe opposing surfaces). The engagement portion cavity may besubstantially straight such that a substantial length of the engagementportion cavity is parallel with and/or lies within a single plane. Theengagement portion may include one or more curves or have a curvedprofile. A curved profile may be S-shaped, C-shaped, V-shaped, W-shaped,U-shaped, the like, or any combination thereof. The profile of theengagement portion cavity may be reciprocal to a profile (e.g.,cross-section) of a dental tool, such as at the engagement portion. Theengagement portion cavity may be substantially symmetrical about alongitudinal axis or longitudinal plane of the handling device or may beasymmetrical. The engagement portion cavity may have an upper surfaceand a lower surface.

The engagement portion cavity may include an upper surface. The uppersurface may include a generally curved, arcuate, plate-like, and/or flatsurface. The upper surface, plate like surface, or both may be generallyparallel to and distanced from an upper surface of the load applyingportion cavity, a plate like or flat surface of the load applyingportion cavity, or both. The upper surface may or may not besubstantially uniform (i.e. smooth) or non-uniform. The upper surfacemay be reciprocal with, inverse from, similar to, or a combinationthereof a lower surface of the engagement portion cavity. The uppersurface may include contouring (i.e., bowing, curving, cut-outs,notches) to engage with or match a contour of dental tool, such as anengagement portion. The upper surface may be substantially reciprocal(e.g., inverse) with an upper surface of an engagement portion of adental tool. The upper surface may oppose the lower surface of theengagement portion cavity, merge or abut to a lower surface of theengagement portion cavity, form an end of the receptacle, or anycombination thereof.

The engagement portion cavity may include a lower surface. The lowersurface may include a generally curved, arcuate, plate-like, and/or flatsurface. The lower surface may be generally opposed to the upper surfaceof the engagement portion cavity. The lower surface may be generallyparallel, at an angle, or both to the upper surface. A portion of thelower surface may be generally parallel to the upper surface. A portionof the lower surface may be opposing and at an angle to the uppersurface. For example, at one or more ends, the engagement portion cavitymay taper to a smaller thickness. A tapered thickness may allow forengaging any tapered or beveled portions of a dental tool or may besubstantially reciprocal to these surfaces of a dental tool. The taperedthickness may be where an upper surface angles toward a lower surface, alower surfaces angles toward an upper surface, or both. The lowersurface may be substantially uniform (i.e. smooth). The lower surfacemay include contouring (i.e., bowing, curving, cut-outs, notches) toengage with a dental tool. The lower surface may have a shapesubstantially reciprocal with a lower surface of an engagement portionof a dental cavity.

The engagement portion cavity may have a thickness. The thickness mayalso be referred to as a height. The thickness may be the distancebetween the upper surface and the lower surface. The thickness mayprovide allow for receiving and engaging an engagement portion of adental tool. The thickness may be substantially uniform, may expand ortaper towards one or more ends, may taper or expand toward lateral ends,or a combination thereof. The thickness may be less than, equal to, orgreater than a thickness of an engagement portion of a dental tool. Thethickness may allow for placement and/or engagement of an engagementportion of a dental tool therein. The thickness may be from about 0.05mm or greater, about 2 mm or greater, or even about 6 mm or greater. Thethickness may be from about 12 mm or less, about 10 mm or less, or evenabout 8 mm or less.

The device may include a load applying portion cavity. The load applyingportion cavity may function to retain a load apply portion of a dentaltool, transfer at least part of the prying force to the load applyingportion, allow for one or more lateral ends of a load applying portionto protrude away from the body, or a combination thereof. The loadapplying portion cavity may be configured to be pivoted upwardly ordownwardly by application of the prying load onto the handle device. Theload applying portion cavity may receive a prying load from a user viathe handle device. The load applying portion cavity may transfer theprying load to the load applying portion of a dental tool. The loadapplying portion cavity may have any size or shape suitable for engagingand receiving a load applying portion of a dental tool. The loadapplying portion cavity may have a shape substantially reciprocal orinverse to a shape or geometry of a load applying portion of a dentaltool. The load applying portion cavity may be rectangular, square,oblong, elliptical, polygonal, the like, or any combination thereof. Theshape may refer to a cross-sectional shape of the cavity. The loadapplying portion cavity may be substantially straight such that asubstantial length of the load applying portion cavity is parallel withand/or lies within a single plane. The load applying portion may includeone or more curves or have a curved profile. A curved profile may beS-shaped, C-shaped, V-shaped, W-shaped, U-shaped, the like, or anycombination thereof. The profile of the load applying portion cavity maybe reciprocal to a profile (e.g., cross-section) of a dental tool, suchas at the load applying portion. The load applying portion cavity may besubstantially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis or longitudinalplane of the handling device or may be asymmetrical. The load applyingportion may be located anywhere along a length of a body of the handlingdevice. The load applying portion cavity may be biased toward amid-point, an end, or both of the body. For example, one or more loadapplying portion cavity may be formed at one or more ends of a body of ahandling device when only a load applying portion is received within thereceptacle. As another example, one or more load applying portioncavities may be biased closer toward a midpoint of a body than anintermediate portion cavity, engagement cavity, or both when thereceptacle receives two or more portions of the dental tool. The loadapplying portion cavity may have an upper surface and a lower surface.

The load applying portion cavity may include an upper surface. The uppersurface may include a generally curved, arcuate, plate-like, and/or flatsurface. The upper surface, plate like surface, or both may be generallyparallel to and distanced from an upper surface of the engagementportion cavity, a plate like or flat surface of the engagement portioncavity, or both. The upper surface may be substantially uniform (i.e.smooth) or non-uniform. The upper surface may be reciprocal with,inverse from, similar to, or a combination thereof to a lower surface ofthe load applying portion cavity. The upper surface may includecontouring (i.e., bowing, curving, cut-outs, notches) to engage or matcha contour of a load applying portion of a dental tool. The upper surfacemay be substantially reciprocal (e.g., inverse) with an upper surface ofa load applying portion of a dental tool. The upper surface may opposethe lower surface of the load applying portion cavity, merge or abut toa lower surface of the load applying portion cavity, form an end of thereceptacle, or any combination thereof.

The load applying portion cavity may include a lower surface. The lowersurface may include a generally curved, arcuate, plate-like, and/or flatsurface. The lower surface may be generally opposed to the upper surfaceof the load applying portion cavity. The lower surface may be generallyparallel, at an angle, or both to the upper surface. At least a portionof the lower surface may be generally parallel to the upper surface. Forexample, a mid-section of the lower surface may be generally parallel toa midsection of the upper surface. A portion of the lower surface may beopposing and at an angle to the upper surface. For example, at one ormore ends, the load applying portion cavity may taper to a smallerthickness. A tapered thickness may allow for engaging any tapered orbeveled portions of a dental tool or may be substantially reciprocal tothese surfaces of a dental tool. The tapered thickness may be where anupper surface angles toward a lower surface, a lower surfaces anglestoward an upper surface, or both. The lower surface may be substantiallyuniform (i.e. smooth). The lower surface may include contouring (i.e.,bowing, curving, cut-outs, notches) to engage with a dental tool. Thelower surface may have a shape substantially reciprocal with a lowersurface of a load applying portion of a dental cavity.

The load applying portion cavity may have a thickness. The thickness maybe the distance between the upper surface and the lower surface. Thethickness may be substantially uniform, may taper towards one or moredistal ends, may taper or expand toward one or more lateral ends theload applying portion cavity, or any combination thereof. The thicknessmay be from about 0.05 mm or greater, about 2 mm or greater, or evenabout 6 mm or greater. The thickness may be from about 12 mm or less,about 10 mm or less, or even about 8 mm or less. The load applyingportion cavity may have a length and a width. The load applying portionmay be connected to an intermediate portion cavity.

The one or more receptacles may include an intermediate portion cavity.The intermediate portion cavity may function to receive and retain anintermediate portion of a dental tool, limit movement (e.g., lateralmovement) of a dental tool relative to the handling device, or both. Theintermediate portion cavity may be configured to bridge the engagementportion cavity and the load applying portion cavity. The intermediateportion cavity may be continuous or discontinuous with the engagementportion cavity, the load applying portion cavity, or both. Theintermediate portion cavity may be rectangular, square, oblong,elliptical, polygonal, the like, or any combination thereof. The shapemay refer to a cross-sectional shape of the cavity (e.g.,2-dimensional). The intermediate portion cavity may have a shapesubstantially reciprocal or inverse to a shape or geometry of anintermediate portion of a dental tool. The intermediate portion cavitymay have one or more shapes reciprocal with one or more reinforcementstructures of an intermediate portion of a dental tool. The intermediateportion cavity may be substantially symmetrical about a longitudinalaxis or longitudinal plane of the handling device or may beasymmetrical.

The intermediate portion cavity may have an upper surface and a lowersurface. The upper surface of the intermediate portion cavity may beintegral or extend from at least a portion of the upper surface of theengagement portion cavity, the load applying portion cavity, or both.The lower surface of the intermediate portion cavity may be integral orextend from at least a portion of lower surface of the engagementportion cavity, the load applying portion cavity, or both. Theintermediate surfaces of the intermediate portion cavity may besubstantially transverse to the surfaces of a load applying portioncavity, engagement portion cavity, or both. The upper and/or lowersurfaces of the intermediate portion cavity may have one or more of thefeatures described for the upper and lower surfaces of other cavityportions of the receptacle (e.g., contouring, smooth, bowed, etc.).

The intermediate portion cavity may have a thickness. The thickness maybe the distance between the upper surface and the lower surface of theintermediate portion cavity. The thickness may be substantially uniform,may be non-uniform, may taper and/or expand towards lateral sides of theintermediate portion cavity, may taper and/or expand toward one or moreends of the intermediate portion cavity (e.g., in proximity/adjacent tothe load applying portion cavity, engagement portion cavity), or anycombination thereof. The thickness may be about less than, equal to, orgreater than a thickness of an intermediate portion of a dental tool.The thickness may at least include portions with a thickness greaterthan, equal to, or less than the thickness of the load applying portioncavity, the engagement portion cavity, or both. The thickness may befrom about 0.05 mm or greater, about 2 mm or greater, or even about 6 mmor greater. The thickness may be from about 12 mm or less, about 10 mmor less, or even about 8 mm or less. A midpoint of a receptacle may belocated along a length of the intermediate portion cavity. The midpointmay be halfway along the length of the intermediate portion cavity ormay be off-set.

The intermediate portion cavity may be substantially straight, curved,or both. The intermediate portion cavity may be substantially straightsuch that a substantial length of the intermediate portion cavity isparallel with and/or lies within a single plane. The intermediateportion may include one or more curves or have a curved profile. Acurved profile may be S-shaped, C-shaped, V-shaped, W-shaped, U-shaped,the like, or any combination thereof. The profile of the intermediateportion cavity may be reciprocal to a profile (e.g., cross-section) of adental tool. The intermediate portion cavity and/or the plane may betransverse to at least a portion of the engagement portion cavity, loadapplying portion cavity, or both. The intermediate portion cavity may betransverse to an upper surface, lower surface, or both of a loadapplying portion cavity, engagement portion cavity, or both. The loadapplying portion cavity and/or the engagement portion cavity may projectaway from the intermediate portion cavity, a plane within asubstantially parallel to the intermediate portion cavity, or both. Theintermediate portion cavity may be transverse with at least a portion ofthe engagement portion cavity, the load applying portion cavity, or bothso as to form alternate exterior angles. An alternate exterior angle maybe formed by the lower surface of the load applying portion cavity andthe lower surface of the intermediate portion cavity. An alternateexterior angle may be formed by the upper surface of the engagementportion cavity and the upper surface of the intermediate portion cavity,or both. The alternate exterior angles may be obtuse. The alternateexterior angles may be about 90 degrees or greater, about 110 degrees orgreater, or even about 120 degrees or greater. The alternate exteriorangles may be about 150 degrees or less, about 140 degrees or less, oreven about 135 degrees or less.

The one or more receptacles may include one or more retaining features.The one or more retaining features may function to limit movement of adental tool within a handling device. The one or more retaining featuresmay allow for a dental tool to be inserted and oriented in one or morepositions within the one or more receptacles. The one or more retainingfeatures may have any configuration to limit movement of a dental toolwithin the handling device. The one or more retaining features mayinclude one or more walls, grooves, notches, tabs, threaded surfaces,the like, or any combination thereof within one or more receptacles. Theone or more retaining features may include one or more walls. The one ormore walls may be formed by the same or a different material as thebody. The one or more walls may be integral or separate from and affixedto the body. The one or more walls be even with one or more exteriorsurfaces of a body or offset from one or more exterior surfaces of abody. The one or more walls may be located within one or more cavitiesof a receptacle. The one or more walls may be located within anintermediate portion cavity. The one or more walls may extend all or aportion of a length of an intermediate portion cavity. The one or morewalls may be centered with or off-set from a longitudinal axis of thehandling device. The one or more walls may be referred to as anintermediate stop wall. The one or more walls may extend from onesurface to an opposing surface of one or more cavities. The one or morewalls may extend from an upper surface to a lower surface of anintermediate portion cavity. The one or more walls may provide for adental device to be offset or skewed to one side of the handling device.The one or more walls may provide for ambidextrous use of the handlingdevice relative to a dental tool.

The handling device may include one or more position indicators. The oneor position indicators may function to communicate to a user (e.g,dental physician) in which direction a handling device having a dentaltool therein is able to be used within a mouth of a patient, engagementof a dental tool with a handling device, or both. The one or moreposition indicators may include one or more openings. The one or moreopenings may open toward and into one or more receptacles. The one ormore openings may provide a visual of a dental tool being located withinthe handling device. The one or more position indicators may indicatorwhat exterior surface is pointing toward a user of the device. The oneor more position indicators may indicate which director to insert thehandling device into a mouth of a user. The one or more positionindicators may include one or more characters of text, images, the like,or both.

A handling device may include at least one connecting portion. Theconnecting portion may be at an opposite end of the handling device asthe grip, same end which engages with a dental tool, or both. Theconnecting portion may function to mate the handling device with anyportion of the device. The connecting portion may mate the handlingdevice with the load applying portion. The connecting portion may havean exterior geometry to engage and be retained within a receptacle ofthe load applying portion. The connecting portion may be used in lieu ofa receptacle. For example, the connecting portion may be threaded,include a tab, have similar and reciprocal geometry to the shape of areceptacle, include a channel or channel track, or the like.

A handling device may include one or more tips, the tips may be part ofthe dental tool, the dental tool assembly, or a combination thereof. Theone or more tips may be formed as ends of each portion of body of ahandling device. For example, the one or more tips may be a first tipand a second tip of a hemostat, pliers, forceps, or the like. The firsttip and the second tip may be received within one or more receptacles.For example, the first tip may be received within a first receptacle(i.e., receptacle in the load applying portion). For example, the secondtip may be received within a second receptacle (i.e., receptacle in theengagement portion). Assembly of the tips of the body into one or moredental tools may be dental tool assembly. The tips may have one or moreportions of a dental tool integrated therein. For example, one tip mayhave an engagement portion formed therein. For example, another tip mayhave a load applying portion formed therein. The one or more tips may bemoveable toward and away from each other via one or more joints. The oneor more joints may be part of an intermediate portion. The intermediateportion may thus be part of the handling device, the dental tool, orboth. One or more grips which allow for a joint to be moved may functionas a handling device.

The handling device may include one or more features for preventingdiscomfort, damage and/or injury in a mouth of a patient. Theintermediate portion, the engagement portion, the load applying portion,or any combination thereof may include beveled or rounded edges. Therounded edges may help prevent the device from cutting or uncomfortablypressing share edges into tissue of a patient's mouth. The handlingdevice may include one or more coatings. The coatings may allow for thehandling device to be easily moved within a mouth of a patient, reducefriction with tissue of a patient, or both.

Dental Covering Removal Tool

The present disclosure provides for a device (e.g., dental tool). Thedevice may be a simple tool which is relatively small, easy to insertinto a mouth of a patient, and easy to manipulate once inserted into amouth of the patient. The device may include a portion (e.g., a loadapplying portion, a handle, or both) to easily control and manipulatethe device by an operator. The device may work in conjunction with ahandling device, may work without an additional handling device, orboth. For example, a handling device may be assembled with the device toallow for easier access or visibility further back into a mouth of apatient. At least a portion of the device may be disposable to allow forsingle use. The device may include a portion (i.e., load applyingportion) which may rest within a surface in a mouth of a patient. Thedevice may include a portion (e.g. an engagement portion) to contact andpry the dental covering off from an underlying surface. A portion (e.g.,such as the engagement portion) may include a projection, wedge,cut-out, tapered thickness, or any combination thereof to easily locatethe device in direct contact with the dental covering, apply the pryforce, or both. The device may include one or more portions (i.e., loadapplying portion and/or intermediate portion) and/or surfaces whichfunction as a fulcrum. The device may allow an operator to hold thedevice, applying a prying load, and pivot about the fulcrum. By pivotingabout the fulcrum, the prying load may transfer to a portion (i.e.,engagement portion) to pry the dental covering from the underlyingsurface.

The disclosure relates to a device for removing a dental covering. Thedevice may be a unitary structure or a multi-piece structure. The deviceincludes an engagement portion and a load applying portion. Theengagement portion may be configured to contact a portion of the dentalcovering along only one of a facial side or a lingual side of the dentalcovering and receive a prying load applied by an operator. The loadapplying portion may be connected to the engagement portion. The loadapplying portion may be adapted to rest upon an adjacent surfacerelative to the dental covering. The load applying portion may beadapted to be pivoted upwardly or downwardly by application of a pryingload.

The device may include an intermediate portion. The intermediate portionmay connect the load applying portion and the engagement portion. Theintermediate portion may be configured to bridge the engagement portionand the load applying portion to impart a torque force on the engagementportion from the load applying portion. The intermediate portion mayprovide clearance so the intermediate portion substantially avoidscontact with any teeth or tissue adjoining the dental covering.

The device has an overall size. The overall size may allow the device tobe sufficiently small to allow a plurality of devices to be storedwithin a dental office while utilizing minimal space. The overall sizemay allow the device to be efficiently packaged for shipping and/orstorage. The overall size may allow the device to be inserted into amouth of a patient while helping to prevent patient discomfort due tothe size of the device. The overall size of the device may include alength, width, and height of the device. The length of the device may bea distance along a longitudinal axis, from a rear end to a front end, orboth. The rear end may be a rear end of the load applying portion, arear end of a handle, or both. A front end may be a front end of anengagement portion, a front end of a handle, a front end of a tip, orany combination thereof. The length of the device may be about 15 mm orgreater, about 20 mm or greater, about 50 mm or greater, or even about75 mm or greater. The length of the device may be about 200 mm or less,about 175 mm or less, about 150 mm or less, or even about 125 mm orless. The width of the device may be a distance generally perpendicularto a longitudinal axis, from one lateral end to another lateral end, orboth. The width of the device may be about 9 mm or greater, about 13 mmor greater, or even about 20 mm or greater. The width of the device maybe about 40 mm or less, about 35 mm or less, or even about 30 mm orless. The height of the device may be the distance from an upper surfaceto a lower surface, an engagement portion to a load applying surface,one end of a handle to another end of a handle, or any combinationthereof. The height of the device may be about 10 mm or more, about 15mm or more, or even about 20 mm or more. The height of the device may beabout 75 mm or less, about 50 mm or less, or even about 30 mm or less.

The device includes a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis maygenerally extend from at least a portion of the load applying portion toat least a portion of the engagement portion. The device may include alongitudinal plane. The longitudinal plane may pass through thelongitudinal axis. The longitudinal plane may be generally perpendicularto an upper surface of the engagement portion, an upper surface of theload applying portion, or both.

The device may be substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis,the longitudinal plane, or both. The device may be sufficientlysymmetrical about the longitudinal axis, the longitudinal plane, or bothto allow for ambidextrous use of the device. Ambidextrous use mayinclude the device being adapted for use (i.e., application of a pryingload) by a user's left hand or right hand. Ambidextrous use may includethe device is adapted for removing a dental covering in an upper jaw,lower jaw, right side of a jaw, and/or left side of a jaw. Ambidextroususe may include the device is adapted for removing a dental covering inany of the four quadrants of a patient's mouth. Ambidextrous use mayinclude contacting only one of a facial side or a lingual side of adental covering with the engagement portion.

The device may include a transverse plane. The transverse plane may begenerally parallel to the longitudinal axis, generally perpendicular tothe longitudinal plane, or both. Generally parallel and generallyperpendicular may include slight differences in degrees due tomanufacturing tolerances (i.e., up to +/−15 degrees). The transverseplane may be generally parallel to at least a portion of the loadapplying portion, the engagement portion, or both. The transverse planemay be generally parallel to an upper surface of the load applyingportion, the engagement portion, or both. The transverse plane mayintersect a midpoint of the device. The midpoint may be located alongthe length of the intermediate portion. The engagement portion may be onan opposing side of the transverse plane as the load applying portion.The intermediate portion may be transverse to the transverse plane.

The device includes an engagement portion. The engagement portion mayfunction to receive a prying load, apply a prying load, remove a dentalcovering, or any combination thereof. The engagement portion may beconfigured to contact a portion of a dental covering. The engagementportion may remove the dental covering by being wedged in between thedental covering and a patient's gum line. After being wedged, theengagement portion may apply or transfer a prying load to the dentalcovering. While applying or transferring the prying load to the dentalcovering, the engagement portion may lift or separate the dentalcovering from the underlying surface. The engagement portion may haveany size or shape suitable for contacting a dental covering, removing adental covering, receiving a prying load, applying a prying load, or anycombination thereof. The engagement portion may be rectangular, square,oblong, elliptical, polygonal, the like, or any combination thereof. Theengagement portion may be integral with or separate from a handle. Theengagement portion may have an upper surface and a lower surface.

The engagement portion includes an upper surface. At least a portion ofthe upper surface may function to come into direct contact with thedental covering, apply the prying load to the dental covering, pry thedental covering from an adhering surface or any combination thereof. Theupper surface may include a generally plate like surface (i.e., firstflat plate portion). The upper surface, plate like surface, or both maybe generally parallel to and distanced from an upper surface of the loadapplying portion, a plate like surface of the load applying portion, orboth. The upper surface may be substantially uniform (i.e. smooth). Theupper surface may include contouring (i.e., bowing, curving, cut-outs,notches) to engage with the dental covering. The upper surface opposesthe lower surface of the engagement portion.

The engagement portion includes a lower surface. The lower surface maybe generally parallel, at an angle, or both to the upper surface. Aportion of the lower surface may be generally parallel to the uppersurface. For example, a midsection of the lower surface may be generallyparallel to a midsection of the upper surface. A portion of the lowersurface may be opposing and at an angle to the upper surface. Forexample, at one or more lateral ends, the engagement portion may taperto a smaller thickness. At a smaller thickness, the lower surface may beat an angle to the upper surface. A tapered thickness may allow one ormore lateral ends to wedge between a dental covering and a gum-line. Thelower surface may be curved with a radius. The lower surface may curvetoward one or both of the lateral ends. The radius and/or curve of thelower surface may provide a rocking surface when a prying load isapplied to the device. The rocking surface may assist in providing usercomfort when the dental covering is pried from an underlying surface.

The engagement portion may have a thickness. The thickness may be thedistance between the upper surface and the lower surface. The thicknessmay be substantially uniform, may taper towards one or more outsideedges of the engagement portion, or may expand towards one or moreoutside edges of the engagement portion. The thickness may be from about0.05 mm or greater, about 2 mm or greater, or even about 6 mm orgreater. The thickness may be from about 12 mm or less, about 10 mm orless, or even about 8 mm or less. The engagement portion may have alength and a width. The length of the engagement portion may be thedistance measured from edge to edge, generally parallel to alongitudinal axis of the device, distance from a front end to a rearend, a distance from an end opposing an end integrated with anintermediate portion, or any combination thereof. The length of theengagement portion may be about 5 mm or greater, 7 mm or greater, oreven 9 mm or greater. The length of the engagement portion may be about20 mm or less, about 18 mm or less, or even 14 mm or less. The width ofthe engagement portion may be the distance measured from a lateral edgeto an opposing lateral edge, generally perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis of the device or both. The width of the engagement portion may begreater than, equal to, or less than a width of the intermediateportion, load applying portion, or both. The width of the engagementportion may or may not include one or more extensions extending from theengagement portion. The width of the engagement portion may be about 9mm or greater, about 13 mm or greater, or even about 20 mm or greater.The width of the engagement portion may be about 40 mm or less, about 35mm or less, or even about 30 mm or less.

The engagement portion may be connected to an intermediate portion, aload applying portion, a handle, or any combination thereof. Theengagement portion may include one or more receptacles. A receptacle ofthe engagement portion may cooperate or mate with a handle. Theengagement portion may be generally parallel to a load applying portion.For example, an upper surface of the engagement portion may be generallyparallel to an upper surface of a load applying portion.

The engagement portion may include an off-set extension. The off-setextension may function to come into direct contact with the dentalcovering, apply the prying load to the dental covering, pry the dentalcovering from an adhering surface, or any combination thereof. Theoff-set extension may be integral with the engagement portion, a handle,or both. The off-set extension may extend or protrude from a lateralside of the engagement portion. The off-set extension may have athickness. The thickness may be measured as a distance between an upperand lower surface of the off-set extension. The off-set extension may betapered. A tapered thickness may allow the off-set extension to wedgebetween a dental covering and a gum-line. The thickness may be about 0.2mm or greater, about 0.4 mm or greater, or even about 0.5 mm or greater.The thickness may be about 5 mm or less, about 3 mm or less, or evenabout 2 mm or less. The off-set extension may have a width. The widthmay be the distance between a lateral end of the engagement portion to alateral end of the off-set extension. The width of the off-set extensionmay be about 2 mm or greater, about 4 mm or greater, or even about 5 mmor greater. The width of the off-set extension may be about 10 mm orless, about 8 mm or less, or even about 6 mm or less.

The device includes a load applying portion. The load applying portionmay function to receive a prying load, transfer a prying load, provide agrip surface, retain a handle portion, connect to an engagement portion,or any combination thereof. The load applying portion may be configuredto rest upon an adjacent surface relative to the dental covering. Theload applying portion may be configured to be held by a user. The loadapplying portion may be configured to engage and retain a handle. Theload applying portion may be configured to be pivoted upwardly ordownwardly by application of the prying load. The load applying portionmay receive a prying load from a user. The load applying portion maytransfer the prying load to the intermediate portion, the engagementportion, or both. The load applying portion may have any size or shapesuitable resting upon an adjacent surface, receiving a prying load,transferring a prying load, or any combination thereof. The loadapplying portion may be rectangular, square, oblong, elliptical,polygonal, the like, or any combination thereof. The load applyingportion may be substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis orlongitudinal plane of the device or may be asymmetrical. The loadapplying portion may be integral or separate from a handle. The loadapplying portion may have an upper surface and a lower surface.

The load applying portion includes an upper surface. At least a portionof the upper surface may function to receive a prying load from a user,provide a grip surface, provide a load application surface, or anycombination thereof. The upper surface may include a generally platelike surface (i.e., second flat plate portion). The upper surface, platelike surface, or both may be generally parallel to and distanced from anupper surface of the engagement portion, a plate like surface of theengagement portion, or both. The upper surface may be substantiallyuniform (i.e. smooth) or non-uniform. The upper surface may includecontouring (i.e., bowing, curving, cut-outs, notches) to providing aresting surface for a finger of a user. The upper surface opposes thelower surface of the load applying portion.

The load applying portion includes a lower surface. The lower surfacemay be generally parallel, at an angle, or both to the upper surface. Atleast a portion of the lower surface may be generally parallel to theupper surface. For example, a mid-section of the lower surface may begenerally parallel to a midsection of the upper surface. A portion ofthe lower surface may be opposing and at an angle to the upper surface.For example, towards one or more edges, the load applying portion mayexpand to a larger thickness. At a larger thickness, the lower surfacemay be at an angle to the upper surface. A larger thickness of the loadapplying portion may function to provide a larger grip or pinch surfacefor a user, house a receptacle, or both.

The load applying portion may have a thickness. The thickness may be thedistance between the upper surface and the lower surface. The thicknessmay be substantially uniform, may taper towards one or more outsideedges of the load applying portion, or may increase towards one or moreoutside edges of the load applying portion. The thickness may be fromabout 0.05 mm or greater, about 2 mm or greater, or even about 6 mm orgreater. The thickness may be from about 12 mm or less, about 10 mm orless, or even about 8 mm or less. The load applying portion may have alength and a width. The length of the load applying portion may be thedistance measured from edge to edge, generally parallel to alongitudinal axis of the device, the distance between a front end and arear end of the load applying portion, the distance between an endconnected to or integrated with an intermediate portion and an opposingend, or any combination thereof. The length of the load applying portionmay be about 5 mm or greater, 7 mm or greater, or even 9 mm or greater.The length of the load applying portion may be about 20 mm or less,about 18 mm or less, or even 14 mm or less. The width of the loadapplying portion may be the distance measured from a lateral edge to anopposing lateral edge, generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axisof the device or both. The width of the load applying portion may begreater than, equal to, or less than a width of the intermediateportion, engagement portion, or both. The width of the load applyingportion may be about 9 mm or greater, about 13 mm or greater, or evenabout 20 mm or greater. The width of the load applying portion may beabout 40 mm or less, about 35 mm or less, or even about 30 mm or less.The load applying portion may be connected to an intermediate portion,an engagement portion, a handle, or any combination thereof.

The load applying portion may include one or more receptacles. Areceptacle of the load applying portion may cooperate and/or mate with ahandle. The load applying portion may include one or more grip featuresfor aiding a user to grip the load applying portion. The one or moregrip features may include dimples, indentations, non-slip material, thelike, or any combination thereof. The load applying portion may begenerally parallel to the engagement portion. For example, an uppersurface of the load applying portion may be generally parallel to anupper surface of an engagement portion.

The device may include an intermediate portion. The intermediate portionmay function to receive a prying load, transfer a prying load, connectan engagement portion with a load applying portion, provide clearancefor the device to remove a dental covering, or any combination thereof.The intermediate portion may be configured to bridge the engagementportion and the load applying portion. The intermediate portion may beadapted to impart a torque force on the engagement portion from the loadapplying portion. The intermediate portion may transfer a prying loadfrom the load applying portion to the engagement portion. Theintermediate portion may provide a clearance. The clearance may allowthe intermediate portion to substantially avoid contact with any teethor tissue adjoining the dental covering. The clearance may allow atleast a portion of the engagement portion to contact a dental covering,wedge between the dental covering and a gum-line, or both. Theintermediate portion may be integral with or separate from the loadapplying portion, engagement portion, or both. The intermediate portionmay be rectangular, square, oblong, elliptical, polygonal, the like, orany combination thereof. The intermediate portion may be substantiallysymmetrical about a longitudinal axis or longitudinal plane of thedevice or may be asymmetrical.

The intermediate portion may have an upper surface and a lower surface.The upper surface of the intermediate portion may be integral or extendfrom at least a portion of the upper surface of the engagement portion,the load applying portion, or both. The lower surface of theintermediate portion may be integral or extend from at least a portionof lower surface of the engagement portion, the load applying portion,or both.

The intermediate portion may have a thickness. The thickness may be thedistance between the upper surface and the lower surface of theintermediate portion. The thickness may be substantially uniform, may benon-uniform, may taper towards one or more outside edges of theintermediate portion, may increase towards one or more outside edges ofthe intermediate portion, may be larger at or near areas withreinforcement structures, or any combination thereof. The thickness mayat least include portions with a thickness greater than, equal to, orless than the thickness of the load applying portion, the engagementportion, or both. The thickness may be from about 0.05 mm or greater,about 2 mm or greater, or even about 6 mm or greater. The thickness maybe from about 12 mm or less, about 10 mm or less, or even about 8 mm orless. The load applying portion may have a length and a width. Thelength of the load applying portion may be the distance measured from anend adjacent to or integral with the engagement portion to an endadjacent to or integral with the load applying portion. The length ofthe load applying portion may be about 5 mm or greater, 8 mm or greater,or even 10 mm or greater. The length of the load applying portion may beabout 20 mm or less, about 18 mm or less, or even 15 mm or less. Amidpoint of the device may be located along the length of theintermediate portion. The midpoint may be halfway along the length ofthe intermediate portion or may be off-set.

The width of the intermediate portion may be the distance measured froma lateral side to an opposing lateral side. The width of theintermediate portion may be greater than, equal to, or less than a widthof the load applying portion, engagement portion, or both. Preferably,the width of the intermediate portion is substantially less (i.e.,thinner) than both the load applying portion and the engagement portion.The difference in the widths between the intermediate portion from theload applying portion and the intermediate portion from the engagementportion may provide clearance for the intermediate portion. The width ofthe intermediate portion may be about 2 mm or greater, about 3 mm orgreater, or even about 5 mm or greater. The width of the intermediateportion may be about 30 mm or less, about 25 mm or less, or even about20 mm or less.

The intermediate portion may reside generally in a plane. Theintermediate portion and/or the plane may be transverse to at least aportion of the engagement portion, load applying portion, or both. Theintermediate portion may be transverse to a first plate portion of theengagement portion, a first plate portion of the load applying portion,or both. The load applying portion and/or the engagement portion mayproject away from the intermediate portion, the plane of theintermediate portion, or both. The intermediate portion may betransverse with at least a portion of the engagement portion, the loadapplying portion, or both so as to form alternate exterior angles. Analternate exterior angle may be formed by the lower surface of the loadapplying portion and the lower surface of the intermediate portion. Analternate exterior angle may be formed by the upper surface of theengagement portion and the upper surface of the intermediate portion, orboth. The alternate exterior angles may be obtuse. The alternateexterior angles may be about 90 degrees or greater, about 110 degrees orgreater, or even about 120 degrees or greater. The alternate exteriorangles may be about 150 degrees or less, about 140 degrees or less, oreven about 135 degrees or less.

The device may include one or more reinforcement structures. Thereinforcement structures may function to reinforce the device whenreceiving and/or transferring a prying load, increasing the load bearingcapability of the device, increasing strength of the device, or anycombination thereof. The one or more reinforcement structures may allowthe device to be sufficiently rigid to withstand the prying load. Thereinforcement structures may allow the device to be sufficiently rigidto transmit at least a portion of the prying load to the engagementportion. The one or more reinforcement structures may be part of theintermediate portion. The one or more reinforcement structures may runalong all or a portion of the length of the intermediate portion. Theone or more reinforcement structures may be located at an upper surface,a lower surface, or both of the intermediate portion. The one or morereinforcement structures may extend at least partially into theengagement portion, the load applying portion, or both. The one or morereinforcement structures may include one or more rib structures, astiffer material, localized thickness, the like, or any combinationthereof.

The device may include one or more receptacles. The one or morereceptacles may function to engage a handle, engage a load applyingportion, engage one or more tips of a handle, or any combinationthereof. The one or more receptacles may be located in the engagementportion, the load applying portion, a handle or any combination thereof.The one or more receptacles may have any size or shape suitable forengaging a handle, one or more tips of a handle, a load applyingportion, or any combination thereof. The one or more receptacles mayengage at least a portion of a handle (i.e., a connection portion, oneor more tips) and/or a portion of the load applying portion (i.e., athreaded protrusion, a tab extension, etc) with a press fit, frictionfit, lock fit, threaded fit, snap fit, cantilever snap fit, annular snapfit, a channel fit, the like, or any combination thereof. The one ormore receptacles, connection portion, one or more tips, or anycombination thereof may include an anti-rotation feature. For example,the anti-rotation feature may include one or more slots extending fromthe receptacle. The one or more receptacles may have a threaded bore.The threaded bore may engage with a threaded portion of a handle or theload applying portion. A threaded bore may provide for a threadedfastener fit with a portion of a handle. The one or more receptacles mayhave a geometry similar and/or reciprocal to a portion of a handle or aload applying portion. For example, the one or more receptacles may havea polygonal shape reciprocal to a polygonal shape of a portion of ahandle or load applying portion. The similar and/or reciprocal geometrymay provide for a friction fit or lock fit with a portion of a handle.The one or more receptacles may include a channel in the handle or theload applying portion. The channel may be a C-Channel, track channel, orsimilar. The channel may adapted to receive and engage a slide or trackmating portion of the load applying portion or handle.

One or more receptacles may be sized differently than one or more otherreceptacles. A first receptacle may have a larger height and width thana second receptacle. A first receptacle may be located in the engagementportion. A second receptacle may be located in the load applyingportion. The second receptacle may be larger than the first receptacle.A larger second receptacle may allow the load applying portion to beoff-set from the engagement portion. By off-setting the engagementportion from the load applying portion, the engagement portion isconfigured to contact a portion of a dental covering and the loadapplying portion is configured to rest upon an adjacent surface. Forexample, the second receptacle may have a friction fit further down alength of a handle as opposed to the first receptacle. The secondreceptacle may allow the load applying portion to engage with a tip of ahandle close to a joint of a handle (i.e., pivot joint of a hemostat,pliers, or forceps).

The device may be comprised of any material suitable for receiving theprying load, transferring the prying load, removing a dental device,preventing permanent deformation of the device, preventing damage to thedental covering and/or other teeth, being at least partially disposable,being reusable, or any combination thereof. The device may be comprisedof a material which avoids substantial permanent deformation after useof the device to apply a prying load. The device may be comprised ofplastic, rubber, metal, the like, or any combination thereof. The devicemay be biodegradable. The device may be comprised of biodegradableplastic. For example, the load applying portion, the intermediateportion, the engagement portion, the handle, or any combination thereofmay comprise biodegradable plastic. One or more portions of the devicemay be comprised of different material than one or more other portionsof the device. For example, a handle may comprise a different materialas the load applying portion, the intermediate portion, and/or theengagement portion. For example, a handle may comprise metal ornon-biodegradable plastic.

Kit for Dental Tool Assembly

The disclosure further relates to a kit comprising the device of thedisclosure. The kit may include packaging. The kit may include a dentaladhesive. Dental adhesive may include dental glue, dental cement, or thelike. The kit may include a cleaning device. The cleaning device mayremove dental adhesive. For example, the cleaning device may removedental adhesive from an underlying tooth or post after removal of thedental covering. The kit may include one or more handling devices. Thehandling device may be adapted to engage with the dental tool. The kitmay include a single handling device or a plurality of handling devices.The kit may include a single dental tool or a plurality of dental tools.For example, the kit may include a single handling device with aplurality of disposable dental tools. The single handling device may befor repetitive use, be easy to sanitize, or both. The disposable dentaltools may be one-time use devices. The dental devices may also beadapted for repetitive use, easy to sanitize, or both.

Method of Using Dental Tool Assembly

The disclosure further relates to a method of using the handling device,dental tool, and/or dental tool assembly of the disclosure to remove adental covering from a mouth of a patient. The method may includeassembling a dental tool assembly; contacting the engagement portion tothe portion of the dental covering; resting the load applying portionupon the adjacent surface relative to the dental covering; applying theprying load by a hand of the operator and removing the dental coveringfrom the mouth of the patient; or a combination thereof.

The method may include assembling the dental tool assembly. Assemblingmay include engaging a dental tool (e.g., device) with a handlingdevice. The method may be free of assembling the dental tool to ahandling device if they are formed integrally with one another,pre-assembled (e.g., assembled off-site before shipping to theoperator). Assembling may include inserting of a dental tool into areceptacle of a handling device, inserting of a handling device into areceptacle of a dental tool, or both. All or a portion of the dentaltool may be inserted into a receptacle of the handling device. The loadapplying portion, intermediate portion, engagement portion, or acombination thereof may be inserted into a receptacle of the handlingdevice. The dental tool may be engaged with the handling device.Engaging may include abutting one or more lateral ends of a dental toolwith one or more surfaces of the handling devices. Engaging may includeabutting one or more lateral ends of an intermediate portion with one ormore intermediate stop walls of a handling device. Engaging the handlingdevice may include locating or inserting a portion (i.e., a connectionportion, one or more tips) of a handling device into the load applyingportion, the engagement portion, the intermediate portion, or acombination thereof. The handling device may be inserted into one ormore receptacles. Engaging the handling device with the dental tool mayinclude securing the components together via a threaded fit, snap fit,friction fit, channel fit, or any combination thereof. The method mayinclude inserting or receiving a connection portion in the load applyingportion. The method may include inserting a first tip of a handle intoan engagement portion. The method may include inserting a second tip ofa handle into a load applying portion. The method may include removing adental tool from a handling device, a handling device from a dentaltool, or both. The removal may be an opposite or reverse process asassembly. The method may include sterilizing any portion of the toolprior to contacting any portion of the assembly into a mouth of apatient.

The method may include contacting the engagement portion to a portion ofthe dental covering. A portion of the dental covering may be anextremity of the dental covering. Contacting the dental covering mayinclude placing a lateral edge of the engagement portion adjacent to andin direct contact with a portion of the dental covering. Contacting thedental covering may include placing the upper surface of the engagementportion in direct contact with a base of a dental covering. Contactingthe dental covering may include placing an off-set extension in directcontact with a portion of the dental covering. Contacting the dentalcovering may include wedging the engagement portion between a patient'sgum line and the base of the dental covering.

The method may include resting the load applying portion upon anadjacent surface relative to the dental covering. Resting the loadapplying portion may include locating the lower surface of the loadapplying portion onto an adjacent surface.

The method may include applying a prying load by a hand of the operator.Applying the prying load may include applying the prying loadseparately, simultaneously, or both to an engagement portion, loadapplying portion, or both. Applying a prying load may include gripping ahandling device. Applying a prying load may include applying a load tothe handling device. The load may be applied to a portion of thehandling device closer to a load applying portion than an engagementportion. The load may be applied to a portion of a handling device on anopposite side midpoint or midplane of the device as the dental toolwithin the handling device. The load may be applied to an end of ahandle. Applying the prying load may include applying the prying load toa handling device, the dental tool, or both by the operator. The pryingload may be applied to a handling device. The handling device maytransfer the prying load to the dental tool to which it is engaged.

The prying load may be a combination of at least two loads. The pryingload may include at least one linear force. The prying load may includeat least one rotational force (i.e., torque). The at least two loads maybe applied at one location or at least at two locations. The prying loadmay include an engagement load, a lifting load, or both. An engagementload may include a linear force. A lifting load may include a torque.The prying load may be applied to a single handle by a hand of a user.The handling device may transfer the prying load to a load applyingportion, the intermediate portion, the engagement portion, or acombination thereof. Surfaces of a receptacle of the handling device incontact with surfaces of a dental tool may transfer the prying load fromthe handling device to the dental tool. The load applying portion mayfunction as a fulcrum. The load applying portion may transfer the pryingload to the intermediate portion, the engagement portion, or both. Theprying load may be applied by at least two fingers of a hand of a user.A first finger may be in direct contact with the engagement portion. Thefirst finger may be in direct contact with the lower surface of theengagement portion. The first finger may apply at least a rotationalforce. The rotational force may result in the dental covering movingaway from the gum-line. A second finger may in in direct contact withthe load applying portion, a handling device, or both. The second fingermay be in direct contact with an upper surface of the load applyingportion, exterior surface of a handling device, or both. The secondfinger may apply at least a linear force. The linear force may be in adirection toward the adjacent surface. The linear force may retain theload applying portion in direct contact with the adjacent surface. Thelinear force may allow the load applying portion, the junction betweenthe load applying portion and an intermediate portion, or both to act asa fulcrum. By applying the rotational force and the linear forcesimultaneously, the engagement portion may rotate at least partiallyabout the fulcrum. By rotating partially about the fulcrum, theengagement portion removes the dental covering.

The method may include removing the dental covering from the mouth of apatient. Removal of the dental covering may include lifting a dentalcovering from an underlying tooth, post, or other adhesive surface.Removal of the dental covering may include at least partially rotatingthe engagement portion about a fulcrum. Removal of the dental coveringmay include overcoming an adhesion force. The adhesion force may beprovided by a temporary dental glue or cement.

Illustrative Embodiments

The following descriptions of the Figures are provided to illustrate theteachings herein, but are not intended to limit the scope thereof.Features of one embodiment may be employed in another embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device 10 for removing a dentalcovering 300 (not shown). The device 10 is a unitary structure. Thedevice 10 includes an engagement portion 12 and a load applying portion14. The engagement portion 12 includes an upper surface 20 opposing alower surface 22 (not shown). The upper surface 20 is shaped like agenerally flat plate or is a flat plate portion. The engagement portion12 has an overall generally rectangular shape. The engagement portion 12includes four side surfaces. The side surfaces include a rear end 26,front end 24, and two lateral ends 28. The rear end 26 is adjacent toand connected with an intermediate portion 16. The front end 24 isdistanced from and opposing the rear end 26. The rear end 26 and frontend 24 are connected and adjacent to two lateral ends 28. The engagementportion 12 includes beveled edges 30 about at least some of the sidesurfaces. The engagement portion 12 includes rounded corners 32. Theengagement portion 12 is connected to the load applying portion 14 by anintermediate portion 16. The intermediate portion 16 extends from therear end 26 of the engagement portion 12.

FIG. 1 further illustrates the intermediate portion 16 includes an uppersurface 34 opposing a lower surface 36 (not shown). The upper surface 34is shaped like a generally flat plate or is a flat plate portion. Theintermediate portion 16 has an overall generally rectangular shape. Theintermediate portion 16 includes two opposing lateral ends 42. Thelateral ends 42 are generally parallel in a plane to the lateral ends 28of the engagement portion 12. The lateral ends 42 are adjacent andconnected to the front end 38 and rear end 40 of the intermediateportion 16. The front end 38 of the intermediate portion 16 isintegrated with the rear end 26 of the engagement portion. The rear end40 of the intermediate portion 16 is integrated with a front end 50 ofthe load applying portion 14. The intermediate portion 16 distances theload applying portion 14 from the engagement portion 12 so that the loadapplying portion 14 and engagement portion 12 are generally parallel anddistanced from one another.

FIG. 1 shows the load applying portion 14 includes an upper surface 44opposing a lower surface 46 (not shown). The upper surface 44 is shapedlike a generally flat plate or is a flat plate portion. The loadapplying portion 14 has an overall generally rectangular shape. The loadapplying portion 14 includes four side surfaces. The side surfacesinclude a rear end 48, front end 50, and two lateral ends 52. The frontend 50 is adjacent to and connected with an intermediate portion 16. Thefront end 50 is distanced from and opposing the rear end 48. The rearend 48 and front end 50 are connected and adjacent to two lateral ends52. The load applying portion 14 includes beveled edges 54 about theside surfaces. The load applying portion 14 includes rounded corners 56.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a device 10 for removing a dental covering 300(not shown). The device 10 includes a longitudinal axis AL whichgenerally extends from the engagement portion 12 to the load applyingportion 14. A longitudinal plane PL intersects through the longitudinalaxis AL. The device 10 may be sufficiently symmetrical about thelongitudinal axis AL and/or the longitudinal plane PL to allow forambidextrous use of the device 10. The device has an overall length Lwhich is the distance between the front end 24 of the engagement portion12 to the rear end 48 of the load applying portion 14. The device has anoverall width W which is the widest width of the device 10. In FIG. 2,the width W is the distance from the most outwardly lateral end 52 ofthe load applying portion 14 to the most outwardly lateral end 28 of theengagement portion 12.

FIG. 2 illustrates the engagement portion 12 includes a width WE whichis the distance between the two lateral ends 28. The intermediateportion 16 includes a width WI which is the distance between the twolateral ends 42. The width WI of the intermediate portion 16 is smallerthan the width WE of the engagement portion 12. The load applyingportion 14 includes a width WL which is the distance between the twolateral ends 52 of the load applying portion 14. The width WI of theintermediate portion 16 is smaller than the width of WL of the loadapplying portion 14.

FIG. 2 further illustrates the engagement portion 12 and load applyingportion 14 each have a length LE, LL. The length LE of the engagementportion 12 is the distance between the front end 24 and the rear end 26of the engagement portion. The length LL of the load applying portion 14is the distance between the front end 50 and rear end 48 of the loadapplying portion 14.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of the device 10. The device 10 has anoverall height H. The height H is the distance from an upper surface 44of the load applying portion 14 to a lower surface 22 of the engagementportion 12. The load applying portion 14 is distanced from theengagement portion 12 by an intermediate portion 16. The load applyingportion 14 has a thickness TL. The thickness TL is the distance betweenthe upper surface 44 and the lower surface 46. The thickness TL of theload applying portion 14 is generally consistent across the entire widthWL (not shown) of the load applying portion 14. The engagement portion12 has a thickness TE. The thickness TE is the distance between theupper surface 20 and the lower surface 22. The thickness TE of theengagement portion 12 is generally consistent along a midsection of thewidth WE of the engagement portion 12. The thickness TE tapers towardsone of the lateral ends 28 of the engagement portion 12. The thicknessTE may taper towards both of the lateral ends 28 of the engagementportion.

FIG. 3 further illustrates one or more reinforcement structures 58. Theintermediate portion 16 includes one or more reinforcement structures58. The one or more reinforcement structures include one or more ribs60. One or more ribs 60 extend at least partially into the engagementportion 12, the load applying portion 14, or both.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the device 10. The device includes alongitudinal axis AL which generally extends from the engagement portion12 to the load applying portion 14. The intermediate portion 16 includesa midpoint M. The midpoint M is located between the engagement portion12 and the load applying portion 14. The midpoint M intersects thelongitudinal axis AL. A transverse plane PT runs generally parallel tothe engagement portion 12, the load applying portion 14, or both. Thetransverse plane PT runs generally parallel to the longitudinal axis ALand is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal plane PL (not shown).The longitudinal axis AL may lie in the transverse plane PT. Thetransverse plane PT intersects the midpoint M. The engagement portion 12is located on one side of the transverse plane PT. The load applyingportion 14 is located on an opposing side of the transverse plane PT asthe engagement portion 12.

FIG. 4 further illustrates the intermediate portion 16 lies in generallya single plane PI. The single plane PI is transverse to the engagementportion 12 (i.e., plate portion 20) and the load applying portion 14(i.e. plate portion 44). The upper surface 20 of the engagement portion12 and the upper surface 44 of the load applying portion 14 each projectaway from the single plane PI. The upper surfaces 20, 44 project awayfrom the single plane PI in opposing directions. The upper surfaces 20,44 project away from the single plane PI to form alternate exteriorangles Θ1, Θ2. One alternate exterior angle Θ1 is formed by the lowersurface 36 of the intermediate portion 16 and the lower surface 46 ofthe load applying portion 14. Another alternate exterior angle Θ2 isformed by the upper surface 34 of the intermediate portion 16 and theupper surface 20 of the engagement portion 12. The alternate exteriorangles Θ1, Θ2 are obtuse.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the device 10 removing a dentalcovering 300 from a patient's mouth 302. The load applying portion 14rests on an adjacent surface 306 to the dental covering 300. Theengagement portion 12 contacts a portion of the dental covering 300. Theengagement portion 12 contacts a portion of the dental covering 300adjacent the gum-line 304. To lift the dental covering 300, a linearforce F1 is applied to the load applying portion 14. The linear force F1is directed toward the upper surface 44 of the load applying portion 14and toward the adjacent surface 306. To lift the dental covering 300, arotational force F2 is applied to the engagement portion 12. Therotational force F2 is applied to the lower surface 22 of the engagementportion 12. The application of the linear force F1 and the rotationalforce F2 results in a fulcrum 68. The device 10 may pivot about thefulcrum 68 to pry the dental covering 300 from an underlying surface(not shown). The fulcrum 68 may be located between or on a portion ofthe load applying portion 14, the intermediate portion 16, or both.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a handling device 100. The handling device 100includes a body 102. The body 102 is substantially rod-shaped. The body102 includes an elbow 104 about midway through a length of the body 102.The elbow 104 imparts a bow-shape to the body 102. The elbow 104 formsan elbow angle γ. The elbow angle γ is such that opposing ends 106, 108angle toward each other. Adjacent to each end 106, 108 is a receptacle110. The receptacles 110 are substantially symmetrical with one another.The receptacles 110 are substantially mirrored about a plane 112 passingthrough the elbow 14. The plane 112 is located generally halfway betweenthe opposing ends 106, 108. The plane 112 is generally perpendicular toa longitudinal axis A of the handling device 100. The receptacles 110include an engagement portion cavity 114, an intermediate portion cavity116, and a load applying portion cavity 118. The engagement portioncavity 114 and load applying portion cavity 118 pass completely througha thickness of the body 102. The intermediate portion cavity 116includes an intermediate stop wall 120. The intermediate stop wall 120is part of the body 102. The intermediate stop wall 120 is part of andcontinuous with an exterior surface 122 of the body 102.

FIG. 8 illustrates a handling device 100. The handling device 100includes a body 102. The body 102 is substantially rod-shaped. The body102 includes an elbow 104 about midway through a length of the body 102.The elbow 104 imparts a bow-shape to the body 102. The elbow 104 formsan elbow angle γ. The elbow angle γ is such that opposing ends 106, 108angle toward each other. Adjacent to one end 106 is a receptacle 110.The receptacle 110 includes an engagement portion cavity 114, anintermediate portion cavity 116, and a load applying portion cavity 118.The engagement portion cavity 114 and load applying portion cavity 118pass completely through a thickness of the body 108. The intermediateportion cavity 116 includes an intermediate stop wall 120. Theintermediate stop wall 120 is part of the body 102. The intermediatestop wall 120 is located about halfway through a depth of the receptacle110. The intermediate stop wall 120 is located midway between opposingexterior surfaces 122 of the body 102.

FIG. 9 illustrates a close-up view of a receptacle 110 of a handlingdevice 100. The receptacle 110 is formed through a body 102 of thehandling device 100. The receptacle 110 extends through opposingexterior surfaces 122 of the body 102. The receptacle 110 is made ofthree portions: an engagement portion cavity 114, an intermediateportion cavity 116, and a load applying portion cavity 118. Each of thecavities 114, 116, and 118 is continuous and in open into the adjacentcavity. The engagement portion cavity 114 is continuous with theintermediate portion cavity 116. The intermediate portion is continuouswith the load applying portion cavity 118. The engagement portion cavity114 includes an upper surface 124 and a lower surface 126. Theintermediate portion cavity 116 includes an upper surface and a lowersurface. The load applying portion includes an upper and lower surface.The upper and lower surfaces for each cavity are generally opposing eachother. The upper surface of each cavity are continuous with the uppersurfaces of the other cavities of the same receptacle. The lowersurfaces of each cavity are continuous with the lower surfaces of theother cavities of the same receptacle. The engagement portion cavity 114is substantially parallel with the load applying portion cavity 118. Theintermediate portion cavity 116 is transverse to the engagement portioncavity 114 and the load apply portion cavity 118. Both the load applyingportion cavity 118 and engagement portion cavity 114 project away fromthe intermediate portion cavity 116. The load applying portion cavity118 and the engagement portion cavity 114 project at angles Θ3, Θ4relative to the intermediation portion cavity 116. The angles Θ3, Θ4 aresubstantially alternate exterior angles Θ3, Θ4. The angles Θ3, Θ4 aresubstantially obtuse. The angles Θ3, Θ4 formed by the cavity portions ofa receptacle 110 may be substantially equal to the angles Θ1, Θ2 (notshown) of a dental tool 10 (not shown) configured to be disposed withinthe receptacle 110. The receptacle 110 includes opposing ends 136, 138.An outward end 136 is formed where the upper surface 124 and lowersurface 126 of the engagement portion cavity 114 come together. Theinward and outward ends 134, 136 are tapered. An inward end 138 isformed where the upper surface 132 and the lower surface 134 of the loadapplying portion cavity 118 taper toward each other and come together.The outward end 136 is located closest to one or both of the ends 106,108 of the body 102 where the upper surface The inward end 138 islocated closest to a plane 112 (not shown) located about midway throughthe handling device 100. The intermediate portion cavity 116 includes anintermediate stop wall 120. The intermediate stop wall 120 is part ofthe body 102. The intermediate stop wall 120 is located about halfwaythrough a depth of the receptacle 110. The intermediate stop wall 120 islocated midway between opposing exterior surfaces 122 of the body 102.The intermediate stop wall 120 extends from an upper surface 128 to alower surface 130 of the intermediate portion cavity 116.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate a dental tool assembly 1. The assembly 1 includesa dental tool 10 located within a receptacle 110 of a handling device100. The dental tool 10 is partially located within the receptacle 110.An engagement portion 12 resides within an engagement portion cavity114. An intermediate portion 16 resides within an intermediate portioncavity 116. A load applying portion 14 resides within a load applyingportion cavity 118. The intermediate portion 16 abuts with theintermediate stop wall 120 (not shown in FIGS. 10 and 12). The dentaltool 10 is located on opposite sides of the intermediate stop wall 120in FIGS. 10 and 12. When the dental tool 10 is engaged within thereceptacle 110, of the lateral ends 42 is in contact with and abuts tothe intermediate stop wall 120. The dental tool 10 is skewed within thereceptacle 110 such that the dental tool 10 is off-center (e.g.,longitudinal axes are offset). The handling device 100 includes aposition indicator 140. The position indicator 140 is an opening whichpasses through the exterior surface 122 of the body 102 to thereceptacle 110.

FIG. 13 illustrates varying positions of a dental tool assembly 1relative to a mouth 302 of a patient. The dental tool assembly 1includes a dental tool 10 within a handling device 100. The dental tool10 includes a load applying portion 14, intermediate portion 16, andengagement portion 12. The load applying portion 14 is located withinthe load applying portion cavity 118. The intermediate portion 16 islocated within the intermediate portion cavity 116. The engagementportion 12 is located with the engagement portion cavity 114. Theintermediate portion 16 abuts with the intermediate stop wall 120. Thevarying positions of the dental tool assembly 1 include: lower jawposition 142 and upper jaw position 144. In the lower jaw position 142and the upper jaw position 144, the load applying portion 14 rests on assurface 306 adjacent to a dental covering 300 and the engagement portion12 is located between a dental covering 300 and a gum-line 304 of themouth 302. In each position, the intermediate portion 16 is locatedbetween the gum-line 304 and the intermediate stop wall 120.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an operator using the device 10 to remove adental covering 300. The operator holds the device 10 with his or herhand 310. The device 10 is located in a mouth 302 of a patient. Thedevice 10 is located such that the load applying portion 14 rests on anadjacent surface 306. The device 10 is located such that the engagementportion 12 contacts a portion of the dental covering 300, such asbetween the gum-line 304 and the dental covering 300. The operatorapplies the linear force F₁ to the load applying portion 14 with a firstfinger 312. The operator applies the rotational force (torque) F₂ with asecond finger 314. The linear force F₁ and the rotational force F₂combined are the prying load. The prying load results in the dentalcovering 300 being pried and lifted away from the gum-line 304.Application of the prying load results in removal of the dental covering300 with the device 10.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the device 10 which includes ahandling device 100 to form a dental tool assembly 1. The handlingdevice 100 extends from the load applying portion 14. The load applyingportion 14 includes a receptacle 64. The handling device 100 is insertedand engaged with the receptacle 64. A connection end (not shown) of thehanding device 100 may have mating features to engage with thereceptacle 64. The handling device 100 includes a handle grip 66. Thehandle grip 66 is substantially rod-shaped.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a dental tool assembly 1. Thehandling device 100 includes receptacle 110. A dental tool 10 ispartially located within the receptacle 110. The load apply portion 14resides within the receptacle 110. The handling device 100 provides anextension from the dental tool 10 to provide a handle grip 66.

FIG. 18 illustrates a cut-out 70 in the device 10. The engagementportion 12 may include a cut-out 70 at the lateral end 28. It may beappreciated, the cut-out 70 may be located at a lateral end, front end,rear end, or any combination thereof of the engagement portion 12, theload applying portion 14, the intermediate portion 16, or anycombination thereof. The cut-out 70 may help engage the engagementportion 12 with the dental covering 300 (not shown).

FIG. 19 illustrates an extension 72 in the device 10. The engagementportion 12 may include an extension 72 at the lateral end 28. It may beappreciated, the extension 72 may be located at a lateral end, frontend, rear end, or any combination thereof of the engagement portion 12,the load applying portion 14, the intermediate portion 16, or anycombination thereof. The extension 72 may help engage the engagementportion 12 with the dental covering 300 (not shown).

FIG. 20 illustrates a notch 74 in the device 10. The engagement portion12 may include a notch 74 in the upper surface 20 near the lateral end28. It may be appreciated, the notch 70 may be located at a lateral end,front end, rear end, upper surface, lower surface or any combinationthereof of the engagement portion 12, the load applying portion 14, theintermediate portion 16, or any combination thereof. The notch 74 mayhelp engage the engagement portion 12 with the dental covering 300 (notshown).

FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate a device 10 applied to a hemostat 160. Thedevice 10 includes an engagement portion 12 and a load applying portion14. The hemostat 160 may function as an intermediate portion 16 toconnect the engagement portion 12 with the load applying portion 14. Thehemostat 160 provides a handle grip 66 for a user to hold on to andcontrol the device 10. The engagement portion 12 includes a firstreceptacle 162 (as shown in FIG. 25). The first receptacle 162 receivesa tip 166 of the hemostat 160. The tip 166 cooperates with another tip166 via a pivot joint 168 of the hemostat 160. The other tip 166 isreceived within a second receptacle 164 (as shown in FIG. 24). Thesecond receptacle 164 is part of the load applying portion 14. The loadapplying portion 14 is off-set from the engagement portion 12 by beingcloser to the pivot joint 168 than the engagement portion 12.

FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrate the device 10 with a hemostat 160 removinga dental covering 300 from a patient's mouth 302. The load applyingportion 14 rests on an adjacent surface 306 to the dental covering 300.The engagement portion 12 contacts a portion of the dental covering 300.The engagement portion 12 contacts a portion of the dental coveringadjacent the gum-line 304. The pivot joint 168 allows a distance betweenthe engagement portion 12 and the load applying portion 14 to beadjusted. By adjusting the distance between the engagement portion 12and the load applying portion 14, different heights of dental coverings300 may be accommodated by the device 10.

FIG. 24 shows a load applying portion 14 of the device 10. The loadapplying portion 14 includes an upper surface 44 and a lower surface 46.The load applying portion 14 includes lateral ends 52 between the uppersurface 44 and the lower surface 46. The load applying portion includesa second receptacle 164. The second receptacle 164 is located betweenthe upper surface 44 and lower surface 46. The second receptacle 164 islocated between the lateral ends 52. The second receptacle 164 isadapted to receive a tip 166 (not shown) of the hemostat 160 (notshown).

FIG. 25 shows an engagement portion 12 of the device 10. The engagementportion 12 includes an upper surface 20 and a lower surface 22. Theengagement portion 12 includes lateral ends 28 between the upper surface20 and the lower surface 22. The engagement portion 12 includes a firstreceptacle 162. The first receptacle 162 is located between the uppersurface 20 and the lower surface 22. The first receptacle 162 is locatedbetween the lateral ends 28. The first receptacle 162 is configured toreceive a tip 166 (not shown) of the hemostat (160). The engagementportion 12 includes an off-set extension 72. The off-set extension 72 islocated toward a lateral end 28. The off-set extension 72 is taperedtowards a lateral end 28. The off-set extension 72 is substantiallywedge-shaped to aid the engagement portion 12 engaging with a dentalcovering 300 (not shown).

FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate a device 10. The device 10 includes anengagement portion 12 connected to a load applying portion 14 via apivot joint 168. The device 10 includes integrated handle grips 66 whichrotate about the pivot joint 168. The handle grips 66 in combinationwith the pivot joint 168 may function as an intermediate portion 16which connects the load applying portion 14 to the engagement portion12. The device 10 includes a two tips 166. One of the tips 166 isintegrated with the engagement portion 12. The engagement portion 12includes an off-set extension 72. The off-set extension includes atapered thickness. The off-set extension is configured to contact aportion of the dental covering 300 (not shown). One of the tips 166 isintegrated with the load applying portion 14. The load applying portion14 opposes the engagement portion 12.

FIG. 28 illustrates a dental tool assembly 1. The dental tool assembly 1has a handling device 100 integrated with a dental tool 10. The handlingdevice 100 includes a pivot joint 180. The pivot joint 180 is also anintermediate portion 16 which connects an engagement portion 12 to aload applying portion 14. The load applying portion 14 and engagementportion 12 are part of the dental tool 10. The load applying portion 14and engagement portion 12 are located at the tips 166 of the assembly 1.The lateral ends 22, 28 of both the load applying portion 14 andengagement portion 12 are shown extending both ways from thelongitudinal axis of the assembly 1. The load apply portion 14 andengagement portion 12 are both substantially symmetrical (e.g, mirrored)about the axis of the assembly 1.

REFERENCE NUMBER LISTING

-   -   1 Dental tool assembly    -   10 Device    -   12 Engagement portion    -   14 Load Applying portion    -   16 Intermediate portion    -   20 Upper surface of engagement portion    -   22 Lower surface of engagement portion    -   24 Front end of engagement portion    -   26 Rear end of engagement portion    -   28 Lateral ends of engagement portion    -   30 Beveled edges of engagement portion    -   32 Rounded corners of engagement portion    -   34 Upper surface of intermediate portion    -   36 Lower surface of intermediate portion    -   38 Front end of intermediate portion    -   40 Rear end of intermediate portion    -   42 Lateral ends of intermediate portion    -   44 Upper surface of load applying portion    -   46 Lower surface of load applying portion    -   48 Rear end of load applying portion    -   50 Front end of load applying portion    -   52 Lateral ends of load applying portion    -   54 Beveled edges of load applying portion    -   56 Rounded corners of load applying portion    -   58 Reinforcement structures    -   60 Ribs    -   62 Handle    -   64 Receptacle    -   66 Handle Grip    -   68 Fulcrum Point    -   70 Cut-out    -   72 Extension    -   74 Notch    -   100 Handling device    -   102 Body    -   104 Elbow    -   106 End of body    -   108 Opposing end of body    -   110 Receptacle    -   112 Plane    -   114 Engagement portion cavity    -   116 Intermediate portion cavity    -   118 Load applying portion cavity    -   120 Intermediate stop wall    -   122 Exterior surface(s) of body    -   124 Upper surface of engagement portion cavity    -   126 Lower surface of engagement portion cavity    -   128 Upper surface of intermediate portion cavity    -   130 Lower surface of intermediate portion cavity    -   132 Upper surface of load applying portion cavity    -   134 Lower surface of load applying portion cavity    -   136 Outward end of receptacle    -   138 Inward end of receptacle    -   140 Position indicator    -   160 Hemostat    -   162 First receptacle of engagement portion    -   164 Second receptacle of load applying portion    -   166 Tips of hemostat    -   168 Pivot joint    -   300 Dental covering    -   302 Mouth of a patient    -   304 Gum-line    -   306 Adjacent surface    -   310 Hand    -   312 First finger    -   314 Second finger    -   A Longitudinal axis of handling device    -   A_(L) Longitudinal Axis of dental tool    -   F₁ Prying Load (linear) at load applying portion    -   F₂ Prying load (rotational force) at engagement portion    -   H Overall height of device    -   L Length of Device    -   L_(E) Length of Engagement Portion    -   L_(I) Length of Intermediate Portion    -   L_(L) Length of Load Prying Portion    -   M Midpoint    -   P_(I) Single plane of intermediate portion    -   P_(L) Longitudinal plane    -   P_(T) Transverse Plane    -   T_(E) Thickness of Engagement Portion    -   T_(I) Thickness of Intermediate Portion    -   T_(L) Thickness of Load Prying Portion    -   W Width of Device    -   W_(E) Width of Engagement Portion    -   W_(I) Width of Intermediate Portion    -   W_(L) Width of Load Prying Portion    -   Θ₁ Alternate exterior angle of dental tool    -   Θ₂ Alternate exterior angle of dental tool    -   Θ₃ Angle of receptacle in handling device    -   Θ₄ Angle of receptacle in handling device    -   γ Angle of elbow in handling device

Unless otherwise stated, any numerical values recited herein include allvalues from the lower value to the upper value in increments of one unitprovided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between anylower value and any higher value. As an example, if it is stated thatthe amount of a component, a property, or a value of a process variablesuch as, for example, temperature, pressure, time and the like is, forexample, from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30to 70, it is intended that intermediate range values such as (forexample, 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc.) are within theteachings of this specification. Likewise, individual intermediatevalues are also within the present teachings. For values which are lessthan one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 asappropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intendedand all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowestvalue and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to beexpressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and allnumbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” inconnection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of atleast the specified endpoints.

The terms “generally” or “substantially” to describe angularmeasurements may mean about +/−10° or less, about +/−5° or less, or evenabout +/−1° or less. The terms “generally” or “substantially” todescribe angular measurements may mean about +/−0.01° or greater, about+/−0.1° or greater, or even about +/−0.5° or greater. The terms“generally” or “substantially” to describe linear measurements,percentages, or ratios may mean about +/−10% or less, about +/−5% orless, or even about +/−1% or less. The terms “generally” or“substantially” to describe linear measurements, percentages, or ratiosmay mean about +/−0.01% or greater, about +/−0.1% or greater, or evenabout +/−0.5% or greater.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patentapplications and publications, are incorporated by reference for allpurposes. The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combinationshall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified,and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do notmaterially affect the basic and novel characteristics of thecombination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” todescribe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or stepsherein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of, oreven consist of the elements, ingredients, components or steps. Pluralelements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by a singleintegrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively, asingle integrated element, ingredient, component or step might bedivided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps.The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient,component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements,ingredients, components or steps.

It is understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as manyapplications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those ofskill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of theinvention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to theabove description, but should instead be determined with reference tothe appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to whichsuch claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles andreferences, including patent applications and publications, areincorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in thefollowing claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosedherein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it beregarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to bepart of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

1. A handling device for a dental tool comprising: a) a body configuredto receive a prying load from an operator; b) one or more receptaclesthrough the body configured to retain at least a portion of a dentaltool and allow an engagement portion of the dental tool to projecttherefrom substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of thebody; wherein the engagement portion is adapted to contact a portion ofa dental covering by being wedged between a gum-line and the dentalcovering; wherein the one or more receptacles include an engagementportion cavity configured to receive the engagement portion of thedental tool by having a shape substantially reciprocal to an engagementportion of the dental tool; and wherein the one or more receptacles areconfigured to transfer the prying load from the body to the engagementportion of the dental tool.
 2. The handling device of claim 1, whereinthe one or more receptacles have a shape substantially reciprocal with aprofile of the dental tool.
 3. The handling device of claim 1, whereinthe one or more receptacles include a load applying portion cavityconfigured to receive a load applying portion of the dental tool byhaving a shape substantially reciprocal to a load applying portion ofthe dental tool; and wherein the dental tool includes a load applyingportion connected to an engagement portion via an intermediate portion,and the intermediate portion is transverse to both the load applyingportion and the engagement portion.
 4. The handling device of claim 3,wherein the one or more receptacles include an intermediate portioncavity configured to receive the intermediate portion of the dental toolby having a shape substantially reciprocal to an intermediate portion ofthe dental tool.
 5. (canceled)
 6. The handling device of claim 3,wherein the load applying portion cavity is substantially parallel tothe engagement portion cavity.
 7. The handling device of claim 1,wherein the one or more receptacles include a stop wall adapted to limitmovement of the dental tool within the one or more receptacles byabutting to one or more lateral ends of the dental tool; and wherein thestop wall extends across the one or more receptacles from one surfaceopposing another surface.
 8. The handling device of claim 7, wherein thestop wall is substantially continuous with an exterior surface of thebody, is located within the one or more receptacles, or both.
 9. Thehandling device of claim 1, wherein the body is substantially rodshaped, cylindrically-shaped, cuboid-shaped, or a combination thereof.10. The handling device of claim 9, wherein the dental tool is locatedwithin the one or more receptacles and the dental tool has aninterference fit, friction fit, snap fit, or combination thereof withthe one or more receptacles.
 11. The handling device of claim 1, whereinthe dental too includes: i) a load applying portion which is adapted torest upon an adjacent surface relative to the dental covering; ii) anintermediate portion which is integral with and adjacent to both theengagement portion and the load applying portion to bridge the loadapplying portion and the engagement portion; iii) the engagement portionwhich tapers to a smaller thickness toward one or more lateral ends,wherein the one or more lateral ends are substantially parallel to alongitudinal axis of the handling device; and wherein a width of theintermediate portion is smaller than a width of both the load applyingportion and the engagement portion.
 12. A dental tool assemblycomprising: a) a handling device having: i) a body configured to receivea prying load from an operator; ii) one or more receptacles through thebody which pass from one exterior surface to an opposing exteriorsurface; b) one or more dental tools, each having: i) a load applyingportion which is adapted to rest upon an adjacent surface relative to adental covering; ii) an engagement portion which tapers to a smallerthickness toward one or more lateral ends and adapted to contact aportion of the dental covering by being wedged between a gum-line andthe dental covering, iii) an intermediate portion which is integral withand adjacent to both the engagement portion and the load applyingportion to bridge the load applying portion and the engagement portion,wherein a width of the intermediate portion is smaller than a width ofboth the load applying portion and the engagement portion, and whereinthe intermediate portion is transverse to both the engagement portionand the intermediate portion; and wherein the one or more dental toolsare located within the one or more receptacles, and the one or morereceptacles are configured to transfer the prying load from the body tothe engagement portion of the dental tool.
 13. The dental tool assemblyof claim 12, wherein the one or more receptacles have a shape reciprocalwith a profile of the one or more dental tools.
 14. The dental toolassembly of claim 13, wherein the one or more dental tools have afriction fit, snap fit, interference fit, or combination thereof withthe one or more receptacles.
 15. The dental tool assembly of claim 12,wherein the one or more receptacles include a load applying portioncavity reciprocal with the load applying portion of the one or moredental tools and in which the load applying portion is located.
 16. Thedental tool assembly of claim 12, wherein the one or more receptaclesinclude an intermediate portion cavity reciprocal with the intermediateportion of the one or more dental tools and in which the intermediateportion is located.
 17. The dental tool assembly of claim 12, whereinthe one or more receptacles include an engagement portion cavityreciprocal with the engagement portion of the one or more dental toolsand in which the engagement portion is located.
 18. The dental toolassembly of claim 12, wherein the one or more receptacles include a stopwall adapted to limit movement of the one or more dental tools withinthe receptacle by abutting to one or more lateral ends of the one ormore dental tools.
 19. The dental tool assembly of claim 18, wherein thestop wall is substantially continuous with an exterior surface of thebody, is located within the one or more receptacles, or both.
 20. Thedental tool assembly of claim 12, wherein the body is substantially rodshaped, cylindrically-shaped, cuboid-shaped, or a combination thereof.21. The dental tool assembly of 17, wherein one or more lateral ends ofthe engagement portion reside outside of an engagement portion cavity.